Spain tear down Germany’s Berlin wall with a barrage of three-pointers

Spain made a powerful start to the Women’s World Cup in Berlin, overwhelming hosts Germany 83-53 in front of a nearly full crowd at the Berlin Arena. The win put the European runners-up at the top of Group A after the opening round.

Germany began with strong home support, including a display in the stands, but Spain quickly imposed its rhythm. Iyana Martín and Mariona Cazorla directed the offense, and all five starters had scored within the first three minutes. Spain then made its first five three-point attempts to establish a 24-10 lead.

Germany coach Olaf Lange switched to a zone defense, but Spain continued to break through with drives to the basket. An assist from Iyana to Raquel Carrera completed a 6-0 run and extended the lead to 34-16. Spain also dominated the rebound battle, with Carrera and Megan Gustafson limiting the advantage Germany’s taller interior players might have provided.

Spain led by 26 points at halftime and continued to share the ball effectively. Carrera finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, Awa Fam scored 17 points and earned a team-high 25 valuation points, and María Conde made four of six three-pointers in the first half. Spain’s lead reached 32 points, allowing coach Miguel Méndez to rest key players ahead of Saturday’s game against Mali. The team will complete the group stage against Japan on Sept. 7.